THE Royal British Legion standard bearer for its Leyton branch has spoken of his mixed emotions after retiring from the role at the weekend.

Leslie Bailey, 67, has been carrying the flag at every Remembrance Day event in Leyton for the past 16 years - even though he moved out of the area several years ago.

Mr Bailey has also often represented the borough during repatriations ceremonies at Wooton Bassett, along with many trips to the battlefields of World War One and the memorial to the footballers who died in the conflict from Clapton Orient - as Leyton Orient used to be known.

Mr Bailey, formerly of Capworth Street but who now lives in Hampshire, said: "I love it so much I kept coming back but it's time to let someone else take over.

"It's the proudest thing I've ever done with my life. I'm not an ex-serviceman myself but I've always been a great admirer of everything they do.

"It has been an honour".

However Mr Bailey is not retiring from the legion altogether - he is now a member of its Eastleigh branch in Hampshire and will be their standard bearer instead next year.